Are medications addictive?
In general, PMDD medications are not addictive. Some of the antianxiety drugs (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and others) have been abused and their use requires close medical supervision. Most people who use these drugs, however, use them in the prescribed amounts and do not have problems with them. It is important to realize that physical dependence (not addiction) is common with regular use of benzodiazepines (the above antianxiety drugs). If they are stopped too rapidly, unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms can occur. Following a discontinuation program recommended by your doctor can help you avoid these problems. The SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are not addictive and have not been abused. However, if some SSRIs are stopped abruptly people may experience unpleasant but not dangerous withdrawal effects.
